How to Freeze Your Credit After a Data Breach
A credit freeze is free, does not hurt your score and blocks most new-account fraud. Here is how to place one at each bureau and what to expect.
To freeze your credit after a data breach, contact each of the three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, and request a security freeze online, by phone or by mail. It is free under federal law, it does not affect your credit score, and you can lift it temporarily whenever you need to apply for credit.
What a credit freeze does
A freeze restricts access to your credit report. Most lenders will not open a new account without checking your report, so if it is frozen, a thief using your stolen details usually cannot open a credit card or loan in your name. Your existing accounts keep working normally.
A freeze does not stop all fraud. It will not block misuse of an existing card, tax-return fraud or medical identity theft. But for the most damaging outcome of a Social Security number leak, new accounts in your name, it is the strongest free tool you have.
How to freeze your credit, step by step
- 1Go to the official website of Equifax, Experian or TransUnion, or call the number listed there. Type the address yourself rather than clicking a link in an email.
- 2Create an account or follow the freeze request process. You will need your name, address, date of birth and Social Security number.
- 3Answer the identity verification questions.
- 4Save your login details or PIN, since you will need them to lift the freeze later.
- 5Repeat at the other two bureaus. A freeze at one bureau does not carry over to the others.
Unlike a fraud alert, a freeze must be placed at each bureau separately. Lenders may check any one of them, so freezing only one leaves a gap.
Freeze vs fraud alert
- ✓Credit freeze: blocks most access to your report until you lift it. It lasts until you remove it.
- ✓Fraud alert: tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening credit. An initial alert is free and lasts one year, and placing it at one bureau notifies the other two.
You can have both at once. If your Social Security number was exposed, a freeze is generally the stronger choice.
Lifting the freeze when you need credit
When you apply for a mortgage, car loan, credit card or apartment, you can lift the freeze temporarily. Ask the lender which bureau it uses, then lift the freeze there for a set number of days. Online and phone requests are typically processed quickly. The freeze goes back into place automatically when the window ends.
Other freezes worth considering
- ✓Children: parents and guardians can request a freeze for children under 16, which keeps a child's clean record from being used to open accounts.
- ✓Specialty reports: some consumer reporting agencies cover bank accounts, phone accounts or utilities. Freezing these can help block other kinds of new-account fraud.
- ✓IRS Identity Protection PIN: the IRS offers a PIN that helps block someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number.
Does freezing affect a settlement claim?
No. Freezing your credit has no effect on your eligibility for a data breach settlement. If anything, it can help you decide between benefits. If your credit is frozen, the cash option often makes more sense than the monitoring. Our guide on credit monitoring vs cash explains the trade-off.
If the freeze takes you real time or money, for example postage for mailed requests, write it down. Some settlements reimburse out-of-pocket costs and time spent responding to a breach. See how to claim lost time for what to record.
Common questions when you freeze
- ✓Will my bank or card issuer still see my report? Companies you already have accounts with can generally still review your report for account management, so existing accounts are not disrupted.
- ✓Can I still check my own credit? Yes. A freeze does not stop you from getting your own reports.
- ✓What about background checks? Some employment, insurance and rental checks may need you to lift the freeze first. Ask which bureau they use.
- ✓What if I lose my PIN or login? Each bureau has a recovery process that verifies your identity again. It is slower, so store your credentials somewhere safe.
Once your credit is frozen, the next step is making sure you collect any compensation. Browse open data breach settlements, or let SettleScout match the companies that exposed your data and remind you before each deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a credit freeze hurt my credit score?
No. A freeze does not affect your credit score, and your existing accounts keep working. It only limits who can pull your report to open new credit.
Is a credit freeze really free?
Yes. Federal law requires the three nationwide credit bureaus to place and lift freezes for free. Be cautious of paid products that bundle a freeze-like lock with other services. You do not need to buy anything to freeze your credit.
How long does a credit freeze last?
A freeze stays in place until you remove it or lift it temporarily. There is no automatic expiration, which is one reason it is stronger than an initial fraud alert.
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